The Administration Building was originally constructed as the college’s first dormitory, and also housed classrooms, library and dining facilities. Construction began the last week in April of 1895, and the corner stone of the building was laid on Friday, May 10th, 1895. The dedication of the building took place over a year later on June 17th, 1896, at which, President Charles Barrows introduced the college’s forth President, Laurence L. Doggett. Consummating the transfer to the new campus, the completion of the new dormitory (Administration Building) in January 1896 was a milestone in Springfield College history. With the erection of the first building, the East gymnasium (1894), and the new dormitory (Administration Building), Springfield College began to lay permanent roots on the land along Lake Massasoit. In 1943, the dormitory did not meet the city’s fire safety codes. In order to meet these codes and house the administration offices of the Naval Convalescent Hospital the following year, the dormitory was reduced from four floors to two floors, leaving the building as it appears today.

Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Babson Library, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.